Spring cleaning your landscape is more than planting a few flowers. Spring is when trees begin to prep themselves for leafing and blooms, grass begins to grow again, and shrubs may need a little TLC from harsh winter weather. It is also the time to evaluate your hardscape to see what needs to be repaired.
Erasing Winter
Here in the Pacific NW, we tend to have mild winters, though that often depends on where you live in elevation. We have had a few harsh winters recently that often are rough on our landscapes. As the weather improves, it is time to think about what you need to do to erase the effects of winter on your yard.
Ideally, you would have prepped a lot of your landscape in the fall, removing dead tree limbs, pruning shrubs and prepping your lawn for winter rains. If you didn’t prep in the fall, don’t despair. Spring cleaning will just be a bit more time investment.
If you have a yard maintenance company, then Rejoice! They will take care of the details, so you don’t have to. If you don’t and you are deciding if you want to start yard maintenance, spring is the time to do so. Yard maintenance companies often fill up in the spring, so contacting one for a quote today is an excellent idea. Quality yard maintenance companies know to get your yard in tip-top shape for spring and summer, and they will keep your yard looking good all year long.
However, if you are more of a DIYer, there are some things you need to do to help your plants be at their best for spring and summer.
Preparing for Spring
1. Look for damaged and dead plants. Remove dead plants and evaluate if the damaged plants need to be removed as well.
2. Prune your shrubs and trees – carefully. Trees have a shape and spread to them. You can ruin your trees with a quick cut of the pruning shears so take it slow.
3. Fertilize your plants and lawn with appropriate fertilizer. Not all fertilizer is the same so make sure you ask questions at your nursery before applying.
4. Plant bulbs and color. Be sure that you know what each plant needs for light and shade, soil moisture and soil type. Ask at your local nursery.
5. Evaluate your hardscapes. Do you have some damaged stone or brick? How about your lighting?
You can use our Spring Cleanup Checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.
The Changing Weather
Spring cleaning is not a date but rather knowing when the weather is changing and getting your yard ready.
If you are at a loss and think that now is the time to bring in the professionals, call Greenhaven Landscapes for a quote. We are experts at managing the seasonal changes of the Pacific NW and guarantee quality work. The right yard maintenance at the right time can make a big difference in the life of your yard.